Memphis Grizzlies head coach J.B. Bickerstaff (middle) is held back by player JaMychal Green (right) after being tossed from the game for getting a second technical foul during fourth quarter action Utah Jazz at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies Mike Conley (right) on the bench with Candler Parson during action against the Orlando Magic at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale reacts to an official's foul call during action against the Dallas Mavericks at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Thursday, October 26, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale reacts to an officials call during action against the Dallas Mavericks at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Thursday, October 26, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers reacts after being called for a foul during action against the Dallas Mavericks at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Thursday, October 26, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale (right) chats with official Bill Kennedy during action against the Indiana Pacers at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday, November 15, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans (middle) takes a shot to the face while driving the lane against the Brooklyn Nets defense during second quarter action at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Sunday, November 26, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans during player introduction before taking on the New Orleans Pelicans at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday, October 18, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

The Grizzlies are coming off a tumultuous 2017-18 season in which they exited with a 22-60 record. However, Pera is optimistic that the franchise can bounce back after having its seven-year playoff run end abruptly.

“Assuming Marc (Gasol) and Mike (Conley) come back healthy, I think we have a couple of surrounding pieces that are younger players that are going to make a positive impact,” Pera told the media outlet he employs. “We’ll get another good player in this draft. I see no reason why we can’t return to being a 50-win plus team.”

Pera blamed last season’s setback on injuries. Conley, the Grizzlies’ starting point guard, appeared in just 12 games and eventually required heel surgery. The Grizzlies’ season was effectively without a playoff bid before Christmas.

“In the NBA there are some things you can control; there are some things you can’t control,” Pera said. “There’s some luck and chance involved, too. This year injuries set us back. … If we’re healthy, I expect us to be very competitive.”

The Grizzlies haven’t come close to returning to the Western Conference finals since 2012-13 when Pera purchased majority ownership of the team. He’s since broken up the core four by jettisoning Zach Randolph and Tony Allen away from Conley and Gasol.

A hyped up free-agent signing of forward Chandler Parsons in 2016 hasn’t worked to the Grizzlies’ benefit. Not only did the Grizzlies waive a physical for Parsons, but the veteran also needed a third surgery in three years during the 2016-17 campaign. He joined the Grizzlies having undergone two surgeries on his right knee. The last operation was on his left knee.

Still, Pera sounds undeterred, especially now that he solidified his stake in the team after winning a buy-sell war with minority owners. In April, Pera decided to retain controlling interest after a buy-sell process with a franchise valuation that exceeds $1.3 billion.

Minority partners Steve Kaplan and Daniel Straus, who each owned roughly 14 percent compared to Pera’s 25, triggered the buy-sell clause last fall. Kaplan and Straus had the right to set a valuation for the team. Pera had to either buy out his partners or sell his shares. Kaplan and Straus reportedly submitted separate bids, with Straus' bid the highest.

“I’d like to put my stamp on the team more now that the ownership situation is resolved,” Pera said. “I’d like to apply some of the skills that made my company, Ubiquiti, successful. I also realize it’s a little bit different. With my company, I can make all the decisions on the long-term (vision). I can be kind of a dictator. With the team, there’s more elements than just the long-term picture. You have to have some transparency with the fans. … How you handle the media and the fans are almost as important as the long-term goals. It took me some time to find my bearings the last several years.”

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November 4, 2012 - New Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera will be introduced to Grizz Nation at 10 a.m. on Monday in the lobby of FedExForum. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)
Mike Brown, The Commercial Appeal

November 5, 2012 - Memphis Grizzlies chairman Robert Pera, left, stands with NBA commissioner David Stern during the playing of the National Anthem during Monday evening's home opener against the Utah Jazz. (The Commercial Appeal/ Nikki Boertman) Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

November 5, 2012 - New Memphis Grizzlies majority owner Robert Pera speaks during a press conference to introduce the new ownership to the city at FedExForum. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)
Mike Brown, The Commercial Appeal

February 12, 2013 - Antonial Shannon, James WIlliams, Memphis Grizzlies chairman Robert Pera, and CEO Jason Levien discuss learning programs at Grizzlies Prep Tuesday afternoon. Moments after finding out Grizzlies prep is without a computer lab, Pera was instituting a plan for a computer lab and Ubiquiti Networks wireless to be installed throughout Grizzlies Prep, with the students involved with the installation as part of a technology learning program. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal) Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

May 11, 2015 - Memphis Grizzlies controlling owner Robert Pera reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game 4 at FedExForum. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal) Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

November 4, 2012 - New Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera shoots around on the team's playing court at FedExForum Sunday evening. Pera will be introduced to Grizz Nation at 10 a.m. on Monday in the lobby of FedExForum. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) Mike Brown, The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace (left, with controlling owner Robert Pera) is betting a healthier roster can compete with any Western Conference team that made upgrades through trades. Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal file

November 5, 2012 -New Memphis Grizzlies chairman Robert Pera greets a team fan following the press conference to introduce him and new CEO Jason Levien (back) to Memphis. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)
Mike Brown, The Commercial Appeal

May 27, 2013 - Memphis Grizzlies chairman Robert Pera, left, watches from a suite during Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals in Memphis, TN. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal) Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

August 1, 2014 - Grizzlies majority owner Robert Pera addresses members of the media during a press conference announcing new members of the coaching and operations staff inside FedExForum. (William DeShazer/The Commercial Appeal) William DeShazer, The Commercial Appeal

August 1, 2014 - Grizzlies General Manager, Chris Wallace, right, and majority owner Robert Pera address members of the media during a press conference announcing new members of the coaching and operations staff inside FedExForum. (William DeShazer/The Commercial Appeal) William DeShazer, The Commercial Appeal

September 30, 2013 - Memphis Grizzlies chairman and controlling owner Robert Pera during media day for the Memphis Grizzlies held at the FedExForum Monday. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal) Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

When asked to elaborate on putting his stamp on the franchise, Pera said: “The goal for the Grizzlies is that people know that if they take a player or find a player, this is best organization in the league for realizing that player’s potential.”

Pera also stressed the importance of continuity, citing that as one reason he approved J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach. Bickerstaff took over as interim coach in November after the Grizzlies fired David Fizdale.

“We’ve had turnover in the head coaching spot and J.B. brings some continuity. The players have worked with him and the players all love him,” Pera said. “He’s very transparent. He carries himself really well. He’ll compromise when he sees it’s best for the organization. I have confidence in him to be that centerpiece of the culture we want to build. He’s a great fit.”

Pera was not asked about Fizdale’s firing, details of the buy-sell process, the Parsons signing, his relationship with Conley and Gasol or the role that Joe Abadi – his corporate attorney – plays with the Grizzlies.

Abadi is widely known to be Pera’s eyes, ears and a hands-on manager overseeing the Grizzlies entire operation.

Much of Pera's interview had to do with his company, travel, movies and food.

Grizzlies hire another assistant coach

Vitaly Potapenko is leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Grizzlies coaching staff, according to an ESPN report. Potapenko worked in player development for the Cavaliers since 2013.

Myke Henry to attend USA Basketball camp

Grizzlies two-way player Myke Henry has been invited to USA Basketball’s June 20 qualifying training camp for the World Cup. The training will be used to select the 12-man team for the USA’s third window of FIBA World Cup qualifying games, which sees the U.S. face Mexico on June 28 in Mexico City and Cuba on July 1 in Havana.

Henry signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies on Jan. 13. He appeared in 20 games with the Grizzlies during the 2017-18 season. USA Basketball will hold training camp June 20-26 in Houston. Former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy is leading the team.